VAIL — The Vail Lacrosse Shootout had its humble beginnings with a keg of beer.
Really. That’s what the Shootout was when it started in the 70s — a few lacrosse players and a keg of beer.
As the sport has grown, so has the tournament, a nine-day lollapalooza from the high school level to grand masters (50 and older players). And we’re pretty sure the event needs more than just one keg.
The masters (33 and up) super masters (40 and up) and grand masters kick their divisions off today. While these divisions are more social in nature — here’s a hint: Bridge street is where these guys are when not on the field, — there is some strong competition.
The masters have their title game Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the Vail Athletic Field, while the grand masters crown their champ earlier in the day at 8:30 a.m. at Ford Park. The super masters wrap their tournament Tuesday at 1 p.m., also at Ford Park.
High school lacrosse is exploding across the country and that is also true at the Shootout. The boys start pool play Sunday at Nottingham Park in Avon, Freedom Park and Berry Creek Middle School in Edwards. The top-two teams in each pool advance to the knockout round, starting Monday.
While there are 16 teams in boys’ competition, there are a whopping 23 in the girls’ high school division. The young ladies will also have pool play, starting Sunday at Freedom Park on the turf and the grass fields. The girls title game is Wednesday at noon on the turf, while the boys wrap on the same day up at Ford Park at 1 p.m.
